Archive for the ‘Arts in Issaquah’ Category
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Mar
19
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Have you wanted to take in a night at Village Theatre but your husband wouldn’t go with you? Well, go alone if you must or take a friend but warn hubby, he will be sorry if he doesn’t see this one.
The Gypsy King Synopsis The Gypsy King. Leo and Frederick are a father-son acting duo whose unfortunate run-in with the royal guard causes quite the royal ruckus. Bearing a curious resemblance to the arrogant Prince Alfonse, Frederick finds himself in a dangerous position. Laugh riotously as you follow his adventures into the middle of an assassination plot that takes him through a maze of castle doors, to the bottom of a moat, and beyond. With a classic vaudeville feel, this new musical romp will cause quite a stir with its fast-paced comedic action. The plot is hysterical, the costumes creatively absurd and wonderful, music and song delightful. And I couldn’t stop laughing!
I think I will have to go again, just to hear Maria explain how things got so mixed up. What was that, now???
March 18-April 25th at the Village Theatre (Francis J. Gaudette Theatre) 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, WA 98027
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Jan
04
Posted by Larry Cragun
The Issaquah Arts Commission is hosting its second film series starting this Saturday, January 9th, 7:00 p.m. at the Issaquah Depot. The theme this time around is “Great Train Movies,” in honor of (you guessed it!) the Issaquah Depot. Join us for a viewing of “Twentieth Century,” starring John Barrymore and Carole Lombard. Oscar Jaffe (Barrymore) is a successful Broadway director and Lily Garland (Lombard) is one of his stars. She’s left him for bigger things in Hollywood; he wants her back, and they meet (accidentally, of course) on the Twentieth Century Limited bound for New York City. Hilarity ensues, in ways unique to Depression-era films. IMDb.com calls this 1934 movie a “first-class screwball comedy” — a perfect antidote to the gray skies of January! Info from the Issaquah Twitter Arts Commission group. Photo from Flickr and by wili_hybrid
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Nov
21
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
I always wished I was one of those persons who has their Christmas shopping done before Thankgiving. Not going to happen.
During the Salmon Days Event in Issaquah, the art and craft booths offered some really unique things that would make great gifts. I didn’t write about them, but I really wanted to give some credit and publicity for some great ideas.
Here are my picks for gifts
Golden Goose Hats with Linda Mestrovich lmestrovich@aol.com Website www.goldengoosehats.net
Golden Goose Hats
Unique one of a kind Felted Hats
Check out her website: www.goldengoosehats.net
Next Abraxas Crow Company www.abraxascrow.com . These are steel sculptures, lots of work, lots of creativity, and they are pretty expensive. But for that special hard-to-by-for person, perhaps.
Do you know someone whose home needs a piece like this? A huge conversation piece.
They do make smaller pieces
Artist is Gunter Reimnitz 360-379-3281 reiminitz@olypen.com Website www.abraxascrow.com
Then there is tye dye clothing from www.flashbackunlimited.com email: flashbackunlimited@msn.com
Flash Back Unlimited Tye Dye Clothing
This really is a flashback for me. The long dresses they had were my favorites. Some were a little more subdued, which I liked. Guess I’m not as flashy as I used to be.
Happy Gift Hunting
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Oct
31
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
These two events in downtown Issaquah could be attended at the same time. They are close to each other. Looks like fun.
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Sep
05
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
It started off in drenching rain, few people, and dim prospects. For those who stuck it out or came later it was worth it. The rain did let up and even though many artists couldn’t put out their wares in the rain, there was much to see.
Last ArtWalk I was walking and photographing, and not paying enough attention to the walking part. I fell flat, mashed my camera and my knee, hence, my ArtWalk then was short. I had insurance on my camera so I had to send it in to be fixed. But it was going to take 6-8 weeks to get it back. My solution was, I bought an inexpensive Flip video camera! I have been going video mad. Getting better, but I know I have a ways to go. CLICK ON THE PICTURE BELOW FOR MY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LAST ARTWALK
I visited the Painted Lady Art Studio where three talented women share a space to create. Bobbette Theroux is shown in front of some of her large scale abstract paintings. Near Village Theatre, ricco diStefano braved the rain and even let it participate in his painting. I have seen his work at several other ArtWalks. Visit his website www.riccodistefano.com . Meadow Creek Chapel, 65 Front Street in Issaquah participated in ArtWalk by having a Wedding Show with cakes, gowns and a long, long limo and motorcycle riding brides.
Different styles of music and dance were part of the evening. A brother and sister act in front of the Hailstone Feed Store were very enjoyable, harmonious and upbeat.
But the highlight of the evening was a Brazillian street music participatory reheasal at the Depot Museum with Eduardo Mendonca. He gets the entire audience into the act with song, drums, bells and feeling the beat. I have snippets from the experience on the video. Check out his website at www.showbrazil.com . I will do a video of just his ArtWalk show soon on this blog. Watch for it.
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Sep
04
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Artwalk of the past
Artwalk tonight is the last one this year. We will be there. Will you?? You are missing a lot of interesting art and music if you haven’t been before. There are many restaurants along Front Street and Gilman Blvd. to have a night out for dinner instead of cooking. Stay tuned, we will be adding to this post.
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Aug
02
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Issaquah Arts Commission – Concerts on the Green
These events are presented by the Issaquah Parks & Recreation and Issaquah Arts Commission in collaboration with the Issaquah Kiwanis Club. The concert schedule is below:
*August 4th – Magic Bus (60’s & Woodstock Revisited) 6:30 all the others are at 7:00pm
*August 11th – Soul Purpose (Powerhouse Soul Show Band)
*August 18th – Dusty 45’s (Rockabilly)
*August 25th – Shelley And The Curves (Danceable Pop)
These are fun events, if you haven’t tried it you will like it!
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Jul
21
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Tonight is another Concert on the Green but in addition you can admire the Chalk Art created as well.
Walk the Chalk Walk
Chalk Shark Attack
Click this picture for more!
These are the winners of the Chalk Art event:
Preschool (6 years old and under)
Aofie Buckley
James Collette
Margot MacInnes
Elementary (7 – 11 years old)
Sharda Raina
Emily Cluff
Anumita Chopra
Secondary (12-15 years old)
Laura Charette
Kieran Dong
Shelvin Maharaj
Adults (16 years old and up)
Rajesh Baheti
Jane Kendall
Sudha Baheti
Family
The Cluff Family
The Loetscher/Dillmeier Family
The Gerdes Family
Cathy Jones
Recreation Coordinator, C.P.R.P.
City of Issaquah Parks & Recreation
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Jun
16
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Last ArtWalk featured very interesting art work from the students at Maywood. Teacher and Artist Nan Calvo presented work from her students, who displayed what they had learned. Below Megan shows a self portrait on the left, done at the first class with no instruction. After being taught about light, shading and proportion tips, Megan learned a lot. Look at the self-portrait on the right. Same student but what a difference.
Before/After Self-Portraits
Next they were given a grid and a picture of a little girl, some were given a picture of Tom Cruise and after sketching the girls face with the grid, powder pastels where used by the students to create a color portrait of the girl.
Pastel Portrait by Megan
Many students participated in this and other projects.
Nan Calvo, Artist and Teacher from Maywood School
Aeva Wilkes, a fun artist from Maywood School is shown with her artwork.
Many great projects from the students were shown, more than can be shown here. Kudos to Calvo, and the students.
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May
15
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
How do they DO that? A huge multi-level boat that moves and even splits apart to allow for other necessary scenes, so smoothly AND without noise! Village Theatre designs and builds all these elaborate sets themselves, no rentals here.
An Epic Broadway production is not too big a challenge for Village Theatre. I didn’t tell Larry he was going to a show that was 3 hours long, or he might not have gone. Never have 3 hours gone so fast. When the curtain came down I wasn’t ready for the end. I didn’t hear any complaints from Larry, either!
Dealing with some serious subject matter, amid singing, dancing, grand set designs and a plot that ran a gaumet of years could have been disjointed but it was not. All contributed to the telling of the tale. It was fast paced, fun, and at times hilarious.
Ellie (Kathryn Van Meter) & Frank (Greg McCormick Allen)
Cap'n Andy (Larry Albert) If anyone stole the show it was Cap'n Andy
Cap’n Andy was over the top when the show (on the boat) couldn’t continue because an uncouth mountain man tried to shoot the villain ending the scene. Cap’n went on stage an played all parts so the audience wouldn’t miss a thing. One of the most hilarious scenes I have ever witnessed.
Julie played by Cayman Ilika sings "Bill."
While all the cast voices were superb, Cayman Ilika has the voice of an angel. A main character, nonetheless, her time on stage was too short. Another favorite of mine was the Charleston Dance scene.
All photos are courtesy of Village Theatre by Jay Koh, used by permission
Music by Jerome Kern – Book an Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II – Based on Novel by Edna Ferber
Village Theatre Website www.villagetheatre.org
Show Boat through July 3, 2009 in Issaquah – In Everett July 10- August 2
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May
12
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Tommorow night, May 13th at Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, Show Boat opens. An amazingly major undertaking by Village Theatre of a musical that has not been seen in our area for over twenty years, Show Boat came from the novel of the same name, written by Edna Ferber in 1926. It has been done in many different versions on stage and adapted for film beginning with silent film, 1929, and a major MGM Technicolor film version in 1951.
The plot developed from Edna’s interest and research into the floating theatres of the day and the story spans a period of 47 years. It begins aboard the show boat Cotton Blossom as it arrives at the river dock in Natchez, Mississippi and deals with romance, tragedy and how lives are affected over the years by personal issues and attitudes of the day. With all the wonderful songs you will recognize and enjoy, it is not a light comedy.
Edna Ferber, being Jewish and a woman author, dealt with discrimination herself and brings us face to face with racial prejudice issues in the plot.
Gaylord, a riverboat gambler & Magnolia, a starry-eyed 18 year old and daughter of Cap'n Andy. Do you think there is going to be trouble?
Joe, a worker on the boat, who Magnolia seeks advice from, sings Ol' Man River as it appears Magnolia won't listen to his counsel.
Magnolia tells Julie that she's in love with Gaylord!
So how does Julie, a white woman know how to sing "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man"? If you don't know, come and find out. Even if you do, come to Show Boat, you won't be disapointed.
I have always been amazed at the Village Theatre productions. I can’t wait to see how they deal with a 6,000 pound riverboat.
See Village Theatre Blog AND New young professional group CURTAIN CALL
Production Photo from Show Boat at Village Theatre in Issaquah
Photos by Jay Koh
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May
01
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
The warmest, sunniest, nicest Friday evening we have had this year brought out people in droves for the first ArtWalk of the season. We were late and where’s the parking!
ArtWalk in Issaquah first friday each month.
Artist Miska usually found at UpFront Gallery
You can't walk into Show Boat yet, but very soon!
University House is now in ArtWalk - Park here and Ride the shuttle to Front Street or Gilman.
Bird Bath # 4 by Gretchen Siegrist shown at University House
For some dinner comes before art.
Music of all kind is in many places at ArtWalk
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Apr
29
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
You know spring is here when the ArtWalk begins, not that I can promise good weather. This is a big draw for our area, not just Issaquah. The ArtWalk begins on Front Street and many businesses support ArtWalk by having exhibits in their establishments. We are also blessed with galleries galore. You can pick up a map and list of locations of art at any one of the places that are open. Make it an evening, go for dinner then take in the art and music. Every first Friday through Sept.
Art Walk in Issaquah 2009
CLICK on the photo group to see a slide show of ArtWalks in the past.
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Aug
09
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
August 1st, that’s the 1st Friday of the month, was a perfect night. The weather was wonderful, people were out enjoying themselves and the art was varied and interesting, sometimes inspiring.
We started early walking down front street, got sidetracked by the temptation of Stan’s BBQ. Satisfied we began again.
The Boys from Welderville, as the UpFront Gallery calls the creators of these unique tables and accents. Very interesting.
I could see really enjoying these in my home. They are bound to create lots of comments and conversation.
Miska, also at UpFront Gallery, part of Collective Works – Fairytales! Fables! & Folklore!
Belltown Martial Arts Lion Dance Team – The drums announced their arrival with gusto and the crowd gathered to watch. Lion dancers performed all up and down Front street, energy not stop.
Rae Soloman gives us a little country in front of the Hailstone Feed Store.
Flying Pie Pizza had a Creation Station for kids
Background Noise gives much more than background noise in front of the library.
For the Artwalk article from last year click here
There is only one more ArtWalk of the season Sept 5th!
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Jun
11
Posted by Larry Cragun
OK, let’s have some help here: I will start it off.
1- Convenient location to a ton of great places: Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass, etc.
2- We have a very pro active parks department: The proof is n the pudding.
3- A highly involved population: If it is important, people get involved.
4- The character of Issaquah is kept intact. Take a visit with that in mind.
5- Recreation abounds here.
6- Shopping.
7- The arts are a big part of Issaquah
8- See Amy Gregersen’s comment:
9
10
Leave your ideas as a comment or email me at larrykcragun(at)yahoo.com
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May
04
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
It’s BACK! Art Walk is the first friday of each month in Issaquah, WA 98029. Music, art, good food and fun, begin down Front Street.
For a look at scenes from last September’s Art Walk go to http://issaquah.neighborhoodsundressed.com/2007/09/08/last-days-of-summer-issaquah-artwalk/. It’s getting to be a BIG deal.
Photo by Kathleen
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Apr
25
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
MK Ballet has recently opened their doors after much hard work and effort to provide a beautiful studio for their students. Owners are Robert and Michiko Black. Pictured here is a photograph of Michiko. Michiko is a beautiful and gracious woman. She will undoubtedly cause her students to idealize her as she is extremely professional, kind and yet firm. I watched her teach a class of ten little girls, ages from 3 to 5 years. I couldn’t stop smiling as I observed even the very littlest try so hard to follow Michiko’s instructions.
Michiko has much to teach as she performed professionally for the Tokyo Ballet, and has had ballet studios in Tokyo and in Washington for many years. It is a pleasure to watch her dance.
One thing I noticed was how each child received individual attention. That is not easy with ten small fry. Her husband said that is not done by many ballet schools.
Follow the rest of our pictures and see if they don’t put a smile on your face.
After the beginning of class the students were told in class they needed to stand and no talking.
Sabrina, Michikos daughter, gives a fine example performance.
Class is over, Moms can come in now. There is a large viewing area for them to watch their daughters during classes.
MK Ballet would like you to know the following information, even some free classes!
1) We would like to offer free classes the week of May 5th for kids 10 yrs to 16 yrs old with and without experience. Monday, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00pm, and Friday from 4:00 to 5:30pm.
2) We started a referral program where you get a free class for every referral that joins MK Ballet, 4 referrals gives a free month membership.
3) Our memberships are month to month allowing customers to try us without having an initial long term commitment.
4) We have tried to build a beautiful studio supported by an excellent curriculum. Michiko is a professional performer and a National Champion. Her instruction technique allows individual attention to students in a class setting. What makes Michiko a great instructor is her ability to relate her own experiences to her students. Michiko feels she had to struggle to master her art since she feels her body is not “the perfect body for Ballet”. Since most people would feel the same way, Michiko can show them that, through technique, presentation, and love of the Art, anybody can feel success in Ballet. Michiko wants very much to develop the students that want to advance to compete in International competitions.
5) We are hiring a professional installation company to finalize the floor. Laying the vinyl coating is tricky to optimize it’s performance. It is an engineered coating specifically for Ballet. We have hired the best installer in America to come here and finish the project.
Studio 425-427-8701, Michiko Black 425-442-3226, Robert Black 425-442-442-6520
2520 NE Park Drive Suite A, Issaquah WA 98029 in Issaquah Highlands
For Class information and Pilates Classes go to http://www.heidimarten.com/
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Apr
09
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Chefchaouen is in Morocco and has been our sister city for about a year. Perhaps you remember their interesting booth at Salmon Days last October. The blue door sent to us by Chefchaouen symbolizes the friendship and hospitality between the two cities. This friendship between Issaquah and the Morroccan city was one of many fruits of a student exchange program.
The door was unveiled and dedicated by Mayor Ava Frisinger with members of a delegation of visitors from Chefchaouen looking on. The Issaquah Press has this event as this weeks front page news. For a wonderful article about The Blue Door go to www.issaquahpress.com.
The door is located next to City Hall. You can’t miss it.
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Apr
07
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
April 7th and 8th MK Ballet opens with an offering of free classes. The classes will be from 4:oopm to 5:30pm. Michiko Black is the Art Director, a former soloist performer with the Tokyo Ballet. Ballet is Michiko’s passion. She has had her own ballet studio in Tokyo and in Kitsap and now moved her studio to Issaquah Highlands. Here is your chance to visit the studio, meet Michiko and bring anyone interested in a free lesson with you, this Monday and Tuesday. MK Ballet is located at the corner of Park and 25th, the north Starpoint building. Issaquah, WA 98029
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Feb
19
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Kirkland has long been a favorite destination of art lovers with a plethora of galleries and restaurants and activities bringing people from all over to their city. While Kirkland has been experiencing disappearing galleries and a loss of vibrancy in the arts, Issaquah is emerging as the premier art destination on the Eastside. In the summer things are really swinging but there is no need to wait. Plenty of art action is at UP Front [art] this Thursday night, February 21st 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. They are located on Front Street (of course). 48 Front Street North (to be exact) Issaquah, WA 98027 425-996-8553.
Glass art, paintings, photography, sculpture, fiber art and much more are waiting to be discovered. These are local artists who have formed a co-op and every third thursday night of each month, they don’t just show you their art, they show you how it is done!
Artists will bring paints, palettes, pliers, saws, burins, stones and other tools and materials along with their talents and expertise. They will share and demonstrate their techniques. Maybe they will even let you try it!?
Join in the fun and see the Artists in Action.
See our Restaurants in Issaquah list if you are hungry for food and art. There are many to choose from.
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